This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about shots fired. Where is this story taking place? Is there urgency or surprise? Who is there? What happens next? Go where the prompt leads!
My story is a BOTS (based on a true story). My cousin, who was about my age, was the commanding officer in the passing out parade, and my four-year-old brother was the curious child. My cousin went on to train as an army officer and achieved quite a high rank. I wish I could remember more about that. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago. I’m grateful to Charli for this prompt and an opportunity to honour him. He was a very special person and I adored him as a cousin and a friend.
Who Shot Him?
The cadets were in formation as they marched around the oval, looking every bit the soldier with guns and uniforms, and not the pimply partly-whiskered teenage boys they’d return to after graduation. Proud relatives had travelled far to view this passing out parade. Spectators and graduates sweltered under the unforgiving summer sun. Some women armed with fans and umbrellas were the envy of those less prepared. One small cousin pushed through the crowd for a better view. At that instant, a front row cadet fainted. The distressed spectator scampered back to safety. “Who shot him, Mum? Who shot him?”
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Where Children Once Played, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
Norah Colvin 
I’m glad the soldier only fainted. But that also tell’s another story. The soldier goes till he drops.
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That’s true too, I guess.
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Great ending, Norah.
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Thanks, Nicole. 💖
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A most lovely tribute Norah to your cousin. A lovely telling. ❤
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting so soon after your return from holiday, Debby. 💖
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It’s my pleasure to visit your stories Norah ❤
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Thank you, Debby. 💖
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❤
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a loving tribute … frankly I’m often amazed that more don’t faint in those parades 🙂
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Thank you, Kate. I am surprised too.
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This story’s lovely ending made me laugh, although I can imagine how concerned your brother was, Norah.
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I’m pleased it made you laugh, Hugh. It made us laugh at the time, and every time since when we talk about it. 😂
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Sometimes a child’s thoughts are the most logical. Great story.
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They are. 😉😂 Thank you, Anne.
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❤️ Sweet story, and true to life. We’re all simply mortal.
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Yes, we are. 💖
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Well done, Norah. Your BOTS must have been quite a memory. You honored your cousin well, indeed.
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Thank you so much for reading and your lovely comment, Jennie.
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You are most welcome, Norah.
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💖
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A wonderful take on the prompt! I’m sure that cadet was embarrassed but better that than to be shot.
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I do agree, D. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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The best part was that not a single shot was fired, although it may have looked like it to a child. I could just see the parade going on while reading the story.
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That is the best part, Kate. I agree. I’m pleased you could imagine the scene.
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I remember graduations like that… hundreds of people – not even including the students in cap and gowns sweltering in open air gatherings.
May your cousins memory be for a blessing.
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Thank you, Jules. It was lovely to have a reason to spend time thinking of my cousin.
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💖
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Hi Norah, what a story. I remember when the boys had to do cadets during my high school years. A few used to faint in the heat of the midday summer son. I never understood why they did the parades at that time of day.
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It does seem rather cruel, doesn’t it. What is the saying – maddogs and Englishmen? and school cadets, perhaps?
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Haha, yes, but it does instill discipline which is sadly lacking in Gen Z kids.
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True to the first bit. I’m not sure about the second. I’m never sure where the generations begin and end. I’m pretty sure my parent’s generation thought mine to be undisciplined too. 😂
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What a cute story. I can just see a little fellow thinking that!
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Thanks, Darlene. He sure did. 🙂
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Good grief–that’s exactly what happened at one of my daughter’s parades at the US Naval Academy. A Midshipman passed out. BOTS for sure, Norah. Good story.
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Wow, you packed a lot of visuals in this brief story. Well done. BTW, I’m ignorant on BOTS. What is the acronym?
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Based on a True Story–clever, hunh?
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Yes, it is. Acronyms are fun. I made a couple: WILT and KLOT, What I Learned Today and Knowledge Learned Over Time. Yes, of course you can use them😂
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Love them. Perfect! Thank you. 🙂
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Steve. BOTS stands for Based On a True Story.
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Love it!
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I’m sure it’s a common occurrence. Thanks for reading and commenting, Jacqui.
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They want the kids to push themselves as far as possible, because that’s how you learn that your limits are farther away than you thought. Sometimes, they definitely find it.
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That’s interesting. Good point, I guess. Most of us don’t want to venture too far from our comfort zones.
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I’m past the point of testing my limits! I’ll stay securely in my comfort zone.
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I agree. I don’t think I have to prove myself by trying anything else new. Comfort zone is a good place to be.
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